3D is a fad that just won’t die. The technology has popped up in numerous forms for much of the last century, and recent advances have only guaranteed that it will be pushed even harder on us. Hollywood studios, HDTV manufacturers, and gadget makers are all betting that it’s going to catch on one of these days. If a recent report is any indication, Apple even tossed around the idea of joining that party.

The company reportedly tested prototypes of an iPad 3 that featured a stereoscopic (glasses free) 3D display. Apparently it didn’t go any farther than that though, as this source says Apple scrapped the idea out of concerns of being gimmicky.

Whether that is the end of the story isn’t yet known. The source says that there is still talk of the third dimension entering Apple products, but only “when it’s useful.” That day may come, but it certainly hasn’t yet.

What is clear is that we won’t be seeing a 3D iPad 3 next year. At this point, it’s hard to say that the technology is anything other than a gimmick. It’s a gimmick that many people enjoy, but Apple is a company that needs to have a clear vision of a feature’s purpose if they’re going to implement it. Other than saying “ooo, neat-o” when Mario appears to break the fourth wall and flies towards you, what is the purpose of 3D right now?

Now if, in a few years, we start to see the manipulation of 3D virtual objects, with HD holograms appearing to be projected in mid-air, then you can expect Apple to jump on board without hesitation. Until then, don’t hold your breath.